REPORT OF ASSISTANT HORTICULTURIST.« 
The present report covers the eight months of 1888 from January 
to August, inclusive. Only that part of my work in the fruit and 
vegetable garden which was completed, 7. e., that relating to straw- 
berries and raspberries, is included in my report. A few observa- 
tions have been extended beyond this time and completed through 
the kindness of Mr. E. S. Goff, the horticulturist to the Station. 
The study of the potato scab has been continued the present 
season. No positive conclusions have been reached in regard to 
the cause of the disease or a remedy for the same, yet the knowl- 
edge obtained will be useful in planning for future experiments. 
Is Scas PRODUCED BY FERTILIZERS ? 
An experiment was conducted in eight-inch pots in the green- 
house. Medium-sized tubers of the White Star variety were 
planted in pots filled with sand that was free from organic 
substances. They were fertilized with chemicals so as to provide 
for some an excess of certain different constituents of plant food, 
such as nitrogen, potash and phosphoric acid. The results 
obtained were such that no conclusion could be drawn from them. 
PREVENTIVES OF SCAB. 
A test similar to that made last season,t of substances to prevent 
the scab, was made inthe garden. The different substances used 
and the method of treatment were as follows: 
1. Sulphide of: potassium, one-fourth ounce dissolved in four 
quarts of water. 
2. Sulphate of iron, one ounce dissolved in one quart of water. 
3. Sulphate of copper, one-half ounce dissolved in one quart of 
water. 
4, Sulphur, cuttings moistened and then rolled in the sulphur. 
5. Sawdust, a large handful dropped upon each cutting before 
covering with soil. 
*M.H. Beckwith. + Report for 1887, p 313. 
